Born in Seoul, Korea, Kelly joined our family with sisters Erin and Diane on May 29, 1986. A carefree boy, he had oral surgery a week after arrival to remove seven diseased teeth. Some of his first English words were "black water" meaning soda!

He started first grade in Philomath that fall and quickly became a favorite of his amazing teacher, Mrs. Burgess, as he continued to learn English.  In February, the class wrote about freedom. Kelly drew a picture of himself astride an eagle, coming to America. He wrote: "This bald eagle. He carry me over ocean to United States. He catch big fish. His mouth have fire like dragon. He cook it and I eat it".   She was so moved that she sent a framed copy of drawing, words, and his picture to the White House where it was displayed for a month, then returned to us along with a letter from President Reagan.

Kelly enjoyed softball, swimming, family vacations, eating, and 4-H where he showed pigs. In high school in Jefferson, Oregon he loved playing football. A bicycle accident on his way home from a summer job caused left side paralysis. He fought back and was able to throw the shot put with his right arm by the end of his senior year and graduate on time.

In 2012 he started working at OSU cleaning the offices of the coaches where he would spend time talking football strategies with Mike Riley, OSU football coach. He was enjoying life immensely, with his first solo apartment, a job, getting around town on a special bicycle, meeting new people and helping negotiate his union's contract. Then on April 15, 2010, Kelly was hit by a car while crossing in a blinking crosswalk in south Corvallis. He suffered a traumatic brain injury from which he never recovered.

Kelly spent the last 10 years in John Grimm's Adult Foster Care, where he was treated royally by John and the staff. He enjoyed the dogs and Jessica's daughter, Rose, who during her preschool years would prop herself on his bed and "read" to him or watch TV. He always responded lovingly to her, even when he was disgruntled with the staff! As Kelly's parents, we are forever grateful to his caregivers.

Kelly is survived by his parents, Frank and Patti Ball of Jefferson; sisters Erin (Matt) and Diane (Traci); nephews Brennan, Kellen, and Jacob; uncles Kelly and Jack (Linda); and numerous cousins. Over these long 10 years, we have missed his big smile and crazy laugh, but we know that now he is whole again and was greeted by all his grandparents as he joined them in Heaven. We miss you.

A September 10, 2022 "celebration of life" will be held in Jefferson.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements (www.aasum-dufour.com).